How Singing Will Improve Your Health

Singing can be heard anywhere: in the car, at the mall, in the bookstore, at the supermarket, and almost everywhere you go. It is such a natural act. People sing as they are driving, in the shower, and doing chores around the house. Singing may seem like such a simple act, which it is, but it has numerous health benefits, according to the Wellness Letter, published by the University of CA, Berkeley.

Asthma

Numerous studies have found that singing can help with asthma and bronchitis. Singing involves deep breathing which is beneficial to those suffering with asthma and bronchitis. Various muscles, such as the diaphragm, get a workout as well. Some studies have even shown that snoring may be suppressed if you start singing.

Immune System

A study performed by German researchers observed the antibody and stress hormone levels of an amateur choir. They measured the singers antibody and stress hormone levels when the singers were singing and when the singers were listening. The researchers found that when the singers were listening, the stress hormones went up, and when the singers were singing, the antibody levels went up. A side note: numerous activities can cause antibodies and stress hormones to go up and down.

Growing Older

At George Washington University, researchers found that members of a senior chorales in the District of Columbia, San Francisco, and Brooklyn, reported better health and fewer falls than those that do not sing.

Alzheimer's

According to the Alzheimer's Society, singing is very beneficial to those with dementia. When patients with dementia sing familiar songs or learn new ones they build their self confidence and are less lonely. Learning new songs or just using your mind can help delay the onset of memory problems.

Sociability

Chorus America, an organization of singing groups, performed a survey several years ago and found that more people in the United States and Canada participate in choral singing that in any other performing art. Also, the singers reported that being in a singing group raises their self confidence.

Human Intelligence

According to a neurobiologist, Walter Freeman, singing and dancing are genetic in origin. These simple acts may have helped the brain evolve. Singing and dancing also help transmit knowledge from one generation to another.

Tips to Find Singing Groups

You can always sing by yourself in the car or at home, but it is always more fun to sing with others. Almost all churches have some sort of choir group. If you are not religious, look into a community college around your area that may have singing classes or groups. The sooner you get singing, the sooner you can begin energizing your body and soul.